This proposal will surely destroy the very nature of the Web, and also
enable large monopolistic organisations (AOL, MS, etc) to control
content and accessability. In the process, many of the benefits that
are now taken for granted will be eroded.
If the Web had been 'patent encumbered' at its outset, then many
alternative and valuable technology developments would _never_ have
happened. Imagine how happy Microsoft Corporation would be if Linux
had never progressed beyond a minor project at a single university in
Helsinki..
Robert Gadsdon
San Jose, California, USA
rgadsdon@got.net